1983-1985 Nolan Ryan Signed Pro-Model Bat

Nolan Ryan Louisville Slugger signature-model (M110) bat dating from the 1985 season. Graded GU9 by PSA/DNA. This bat measures 34.5 inches and weighs 31.3 ounces. According to factory records, Ryan only placed one order for model M110 bats matching those specifications during his career, with that order taking place on January 15, 1985. The bat displays evidence of use along its entire length, including several ball and stitch marks (ball marks include black-ink transfers), and an "H" crack in the handle that has been professionally repaired. The number "34" (Ryan's uniform number with the Astros) is written on the knob in black marker. Ryan has signed the bat in blue Sharpie (grading "8/9") on the sweet spot of the barrel. As evidenced by his anemic .111 batting average in 1985, Ryan normally had little use for bats, making pro-model examples such as this scarce. The fact that this one shows evidence of use, can be pinpointed in the factory records, and has been signed by baseball's all-time strikeout king, makes it one of the finest examples we have ever seen. LOAs from John Taube and Vince Malta of PSA/DNA and James Spence/JSA. The bat is also accompanied by an LOA from SCD Authentic (signed by Troy Kinunen, Dave Bushing, and Dan Knoll), which assigns the bat a grade of A8. Reserve $500. Estimate $1,500+. SOLD FOR $1,422

(Click the smaller thumbnails to the left and right (if any) to cycle through each photo in the gallery of images for this lot.)